Casa Jaguar Hotel Boutique

I spent two nights in Casa Jaguar and was delighted. It’s a small B&B with only 4 rooms, but the quality is like a 4* hotel. My room (#1) was spacious and cool, with en suite shower room. Amenities are first class - fluffy towels, Smart TV, hairdryer, luxury amenities, AC, hot water (not common in Cartagena!) and very stylishly arranged fresh flowers. The rooms open onto a courtyard with an enticing plunge pool. It’s a quiet oasis in the middle of an otherwise bustling neighbourhood, helped by the fact there are no bars or clubs on the street - rare and a huge upside. The kitchen / cafe is charming and serves a fast and fabulous breakfast. Seriously the food is so much better than expected. The staff is a delight, nothing is too much trouble and you’re made to feel totally at home. Getsemani remains the most authentic neighbourhood of old Cartagena and Casa Jaguar is the perfect base.

After researching dozens and dozens of small (our preference) hotels in the area my wife chose Casa Jaguar and it was absolutely ideal! The location was excellent; about a 10 minute walk from the old walled city and about a minute from Plaza Trinidad, a small square with several pretty decent restaurants and obviously a local gathering point for live music and partying. Although close, it did not disturb our sleep at all. The rooms are tastefully appointed surrounding a small courtyard with a plunge pool and foliage. The restaurant was small and cozy and the breakfasts were tasty and made to order. Although this was all very appealing, the key to the perfection of this place was the staff! Beginning with all of the helpful suggestions from the owner, Maria prior to our arrival and following through with EVERY SINGLE staff member throughout our three day stay. Upon arrival Leyde and Kelly were eager to be sure that we had the best service possible in the restaurant/bar and were wonderful conversationalists during our stay. Oleydys (Leyde's daughter) and Carmen in the kitchen made sure that everything was not only perfect but that we also felt that we were visiting friends. The overnight person, Fani, was not only friendly but very accommodating to my need for coffee at 4am. As this is my standard time for awakening, I had a concern that there were no coffee makers in the rooms. Fani however, made me a standard cup of coffee as soon as I exited my room which carried me through until she warmed up the full blown coffee station to make cappuccinos for my wife and I. It was the PEOPLE that made the experience. This said, from some one who speaks conversational Spanish and owned and ran a #1 rated hotel in Cosa Rica for 16 years. I know of what I speak.